Drain fitting



. April 7, 1942. M. F. SCHAIBLE 2,278,566

' DRAIN FITTING H 4 Filed Feb. 25, 1940 I5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR April 7, 1942. M. F. SCHAIBLE DRAIN FITTING Filed Feb. 23, 1940 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 7, 1942.

M. F. SCHAIBLE DRAIN FITTING Filed Feb. 23, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 l NVENTOR fll/z/me/ Elma/file 4 ATT I Patented Apr. 7, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,278,566 DRAIN FITTING Michael F. Schaible, Cincinnati, Ohio Application February 23, 1940, Serial No. 320,264

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in the construction of drain fittings for use in sinks and the like.

Heretofore, drain housings have been fabricated from the relatively inexpensive metals such as cast iron, brass, bronze and the like. Such drains have been characterized by a cylindrical body member, the upper edges of which were provided with an out-turned flange for engaging the upper face of a drain aperture provided through the bottom of a sink, tub, shower stall or the like. The drain body was provided with external threads engageable by a ring or clamp nut, the upper surface of which was adapted to engage the under face of the drain aperture for securing the drain body to the fixture. Those surfaces of the drain housing exposed to wear were polished and then plated with a suitable hard metal, such as chromium or the like. Such plated surfaces were, however, subject to the disadvantage of wearing through and exposing the under metal when subjected to the abrasive action of scouring powders and other detergents commonly used to clean sinks, and the like. The plated surfaces were likewise attacked by the various acids and chemicals contained in the waste products passed through the drain incident to its use, and were dented and defaced by contact with cutlery and heavy articles used or dropped in the sink.

The present invention is directed, among other things to the provision of a drain housing wherein those portions and surfaces which are subjected to and deleteriously affected by the mechanical and chemical actions to which drains are continuously exposed, are made from a relatively thin sheet of metal characterized by high tensile strength, and by its erosion and corrosion resistant properties, such as stainless steel, Monel metal, and the like.

An object of the present invention is to provide a drain structure, the housing of which comprises an inner or drainage shell, and a separate outer mounting shell or washer. A further object of the invention is to provide a two-piece drain housing wherein the inner or drainage shell has a surface which is coextensive with those surfaces of a drain which are normally and continually subjected to wear.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a drainage shell of the character hereinabove stated which is fabricated from a thin sheet of metal such as stainless steel, Monel metal, or the like, which is too thin to be threaded and means to secure such a drainage shell to the drain aperture of a sink, or the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide a drain structure having a thin sheet metal drain shell of the character hereinabove stated, which shell is adapted to be secured within the drain aperture of a sink or the like by means of a separate mounting washer disposed entirely under the sink and which is not subjected to mechanical wear nor contacted by the waste products which pass through the drain structure.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a drain structure of thecharacter hereinabove stated which may be manufactured at a cost which is competitive with the cost of the plated drain housings now on the market.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein, and disclosed in theaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a drain structure embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the drain structure of Fig. 1 but with the basket and valve assembly removd, for clarity of detail.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a modified form of drain structure embodying the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the drain structure of Fig. 3 with the basket and valve assembly removed, for clarity of detail.

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the valve seat of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a second modified form of drain structure embodying the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a top view of the drain structure of Fig. 6.

With reference to Fig. 1, the drain structure comprises an outer shell or mounting washer I0, an inner or drainage shell ll, tail casting or coupler 12, ring nut l3, and a combined strainervalve assembly denoted generally by the numeral 14.

The drainage shell ll may be stamped, or otherwise fashioned from a relatively thin sheet of erosion and corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel, Monel metal, silver-nickel, or the like, which requires no plating. This shell may comprise a cup-like body portion IS, the upper end of which is provided with an annular outturned flange l6 which is adapted to engage the upper face of an aperture I! provided, by way of example, through the bottom of a sink l8 or a slab or other area to be drained. The lower portion of cup I5 is provided with an annular collar I9, the lower end of which terminates in inturned flange 20.

The lower end of drainage shell II is adapted to be permanently secured to tail casting I2, the upper end of which is provided with an overhanging shoulder 2| defined by vertical face 22 and overhanging lower face 23. Shoulder 2| may be positioned within collar I8 by means of a press fit, or the like. If desired, relative motion between drainage shell I and tail casting I2 about a common vertical axis may be precluded by providing a pair of so-called flats 24 (Fig. 2), in the vertical face 22 of shoulder 2|, and a pair of complementary flats in annular collar I9. On the lower portion of the tail casting are screw threads 25 engageable by annular ring nut I3 and by tail nut I25, by which waste pipe I26 may be attached to the tail casting.

The drainage cup-tail casting assembly is adapted to be secured within a sink aperture or other drainage opening, by means of the outer shell or mounting washer I0. This washer comprises a body portion 26, the upper end of which is provided with an outturned annular flange 21 which is adapted to engage the under face of the edge of sink aperture I1. The lower end of the washer is provided with an inturned annular flange 28, which is adapted to circumscribe the lower, externally threaded portion 25 of the tail casting.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, mounting washer I0 is adapted to be forced upwardly by ring nut I3 whereby flanges I6 and 21 are caused to engage the upper and lower faces respectively, of

the edge of aperture I1. A rubber gasket I21 is preferably disposed between the lower face of the sink and flange 21.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, means ar provided which will permit mounting washer I I] to be freely shifted along the longitudinal axis of tail casting I2, but which will at the same time preclude relative rotation about said axis. Such means may comprise one or more rectangular flats 40 provided in the lower threaded portion 25 of the tail casting, as shown. Such construction greatly facilitates the installation of the drain inasmuch as only a wrench is needed to draw up ring nut I3 on threads 25. The tail casting I2, inner shell II, and outer washer I 0 are prevented from being rotated within aperture I1 while ring nut I3 is being tightened by reason of the frictional resistance between rubber gasket I21 and flange 21, and the under face of the sink aperture.

If desired, a compressible gasket 29 may be interposed between the adjacent faces of flanges 20 and 28.

It should be noted that the present invention is not concerned with nor directed to any particular type of valve and/or strainer assembly, however, for completeness and clarity of detail only, the drain structures of Figs. 1 and 3, are shown including such assemblies. In the device of Fig. 1, an annular valve seat 30 is provided in the upper central portion of tail casting shoulder 2 I. An annular valve 3| comprises a body portion 32, valve face 33, and upstanding valve stem 34. A plurality of depending legs are adapted to engage the lower portion of valve seat 30 for maintaining the valve in an open, unseated condition.

Valve 3| may be lowered to a closed, seat engaging position upon being rotated about its vertical axis, whereby depending legs 35 will be p0- sitloned, one each in one of the spaced slots 38 machined into the lower walls of the valve seat. as illustrated.

A strainer basket, denoted generally by the numeral 31, may be permanently secured directly to valve body 32 by means of welding, or the like. The upper edge of basket 31 may be provided with an outwardly extending flange 36, the free outer edge 39 of which is adapted to slide freely within the body portion of drainage shell II.

The drain structure illustrated in Fig. 3, differs from that of Fig. l in but two primary respects, viz., the inner or drainage shell is extended downwardly to provide an integral valve seat, and the tail casting is secured to the drainage shell by means of clamp nut 62.

The drainage structure comprises an outer, mounting washer or housing 50, an inner or drainage shell 5|, tail casting 52, ring nut 53, and a combination strainer-valve assembly denoted generally by the numeral 54. The upper and lower portions of mounting washer are provided with flanges and 56, which correspond to flanges 21 and 28 of Fig. 1.

Drainage shell 5| comprises a cup-like body portion 51, the upper portion of which is provided with an out-turned flange 58. The lower portion of the cup is inclined to provide an annular drainage collar 59 and valve seat 60, the lower edge of which merges into depending collar 6|.

The drainage shell 5| is shown secured to tail casting 52 by means of annular clamp nut 62, which is provided with external screw threads 63 engageable by the upper reduced internally threaded portion of tail casting 52. Clamp nut 62 may be permanently secured to the lower end of drainage shell 5| by being slipped upwardly over the free end of depending collar 6|, after which the lower end of the collar may be peened, or otherwise provided with an out-turned flange I62, which engages the lower face of the clamp nut, as shown.

Ring nut 53, which engages the upper externally threaded portion 64 of tail casting 52 is adapted to abut lower flange 56 of mounting housing 50, as shown.

If desired, the lower portion of the tail casting may he stepped to provide an integral circumscribing hex nut 65, and a downwardly extending neck portion 66 having external screw threads 61 engageable by a tail nut, not illustrated, by which a drain pipe may be attached to the tail casting. By reason of hex nut 65, a suitable wrench may be applied to the tail casting to prevent rotation thereof while ring nut 53 is being tightened upon mounting housing 50.

The valve assembly 54 comprises body portion 68, valve stem I68, valve seat face 69 and an annular depending collar 10, the lower perimeter of which is provided with a plurality of spaced recesses or notches 1 I.

A spider comprising fingers 12, is provided integral with the tail casting, said fingers adapted to support the lower edge of collar 10 for maintaining valve 54 in an open, unseated condition. Valve 54 may be seated only when slots H are vertically aligned with fingers 12. Strainer basket 13 corresponds in detail with the basket 31 of Fig. 1.

The drain structure of Fig. 6 differs from the structures of Figs. 1 and 3 in but one primary respect, viz., the manner in which the inner or drainage shell is tightened within the drain aperture.

The drain structure illustrated, comprises a thin pressed or drawn inner or drainage shell 80,

an outer shell or mounting washer 8|, tail casting 82, tail nut 83, a plurality of adjustment bolts 84, and an annular bearing plate 85. The upper end of the drainage shell is provided with an out-turned flange 86 adapted to engage the upper face of the edge of a sink aperture. The lower portion of shell 88 may be secured to tail casting 82 in any suitable manner, as illustrated.

As before, the inner shell-tail casting assembly is adapted to be positioned within the sink aperture by means of mounting washer 8|. This washer comprises an annular collar like portion 88, the upper portion of which is flared outwardly to form a body portion 81, the upper end of which terminates in an out-turned flange 89. A plurality of internally threaded bosses 98 are provided in flange 89 as shown. The free lower edge of collar portion 88 terminates in an annular bearing surface 9|, which is adapted to abut the upper face 92 of tail nut 83, by which drain pipe 93 is connected to tail casting 82, as illustrated.

In assembling the drain structure, the drainage shell-tail casting assembly is lowered through the drain aperture, after which'annular bearing plate 85 and mounting washer 8| are slipped upwardly over the depending tail casting. Drain pipe 83 is then secured to the tail casting by means of tail nut 83, with the mounting washer 8| supported upon the tail nut. bearing plate 85 may then be urged upwardly toward flange 86 by manipulation of adjustment bolts 84, whereby the drain housing may be tightly secured within the drain aperture.

It should be observed that in each of the drain structures illustrated, the inner or drainage shell is under tension, whereas the mounting washer is under compression throughout its entire length. It should also be observed that the surface area of the inner or drainage shells are coextensive with those drain areas which are subjected to mechanical and chemical wear incident to normal use, and that the mounting washers are disposed entirely below the sink bottom free from wear and contact with the waste products en route to the sewer.

By reason of fabricating the drainage shell from a thin sheet of stainless steel, or other high tensile strength corrosion-erosion resistant metal, the problem of drain housing wear is effectively eliminated and at the same time a drainage shell capable of withstanding the tensile stresses of installation is provided.

It should likewise be noted that although the drainage shells are made of sheet metal too thin to accommodate threads, they are nevertheless self-sustaining and do not require a backing or reinforcing housing.

The mounting washers may be fabricated from any material capable of withstanding the compressive stresses to which they are subjected during installation.

The parts I2, 52 and 82 have been referred to as castings in explaining the invention; however, it is to be clearly understood that these parts perform essentially as coupling members for the drain pipes, and are capable of fabrication otherwise than by casting the metal thereof. Such coupling members, for example, may be formed by means of pressing or turning operations.

It should be noted that the inner and outer shells are spaced apart throughout their ad- The annular.

jacent faces in order to provide the necessary clearance needed when the outer shell, or mounting washer is shifted relative to'the inner shell incident to tightening the drain structure within the drain aperture of the sink.

It is to be understood that various modifications and changes in the structural details of the device may be made, Within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. If desired the drain housingof the present invention may be provided with a flat, snap-in type strainer, or any other type of perforated plate or the like, which will permit fluids to freely enter the housing while effectively precluding the entry of foreign material. It should likewise be understood that drain housings embodying the present invention may be associated with any drain aperture and it is not restricted to association with a sink, which disclosure is exemplary in nature rather than restrictive.

What is claimed is:

1. A drain structure adapted to be secured within a drain aperture, and comprising in combination an inner shell, an outer shell and a pipe coupler, said inner shell being fabricated from a sheet of metal too thin to carry threads and characterized by its high tensile strength and by its erosion and corrosion resistant properties, said pipe coupler being connected to and carried by said innershell and having threads thereon, said outer shell carried by said pipe coupler, and means engaging said threads to shift said outer shell relative to the inner shell for securing the drain structure within said drain aperture.

2. In a device of the class described, a threepiece drain housing adapted to be secured within a drain aperture, said housing comprising an outer shell, an inner shell and a pipe coupler, said inner shell having an outwardly extending flange at its upper end adapted to engage the upper margin of said drain aperture, said coupler being connected to and carried by said inner shell, said outer shell having an outwardly extending flange at its upper end, an annular bearing member, said outer shell carried by said pipe coupler, and means carried by said outer shell flange for engaging said annular bearing member for urging it upwardly toward the out-turned flange of the inner shell to engage the lower margin of said drain aperture for securing said drain housing within the drain aperture.

3. In a device of the class described, a threepiece Waste drain housing adapted to be secured within a drain aperture, said drain housing comprising an outer shell, an inner shell and a pipe coupler, said inner shell having an outwardly extending circumscribing flange at its upper end and a downwardly extending cup-shaped .body portion for directing waste products toward a central valve, means for permanently securing the lower end of the inner shell to said pipe coupler for providing a continuous fluid passageway through said inner shell and pipe coupler, said outer shell having an outwardly extending flange at its top, a downwardly extending body portion terminating in an inturned flange adapted to slidably engage the outer perimeter of 'said pipe coupler, and means carried by said pipe coupler for shifting said outer shell relative to the inner shell for urging the out-turned flange of said outer shell upward toward the out-turned flange of the inner shell for securing the housing within said drain aperture.

4. In a drain assembly adapted to be mounted within a drain aperture and comprising an inner shell, an outer shell and a pipe coupler, said inner shell having an out-turned flange adapted to engage the upper margin of the drain aperture, said pipe coupler connected to and carried by said inner shell, said outer shell having an outturned flange adapted to engage the lower face of the drain aperture margin, and-means carried by said pipe coupler for drawing the out-turned flanges of the inner and outer shells upon the upper and lower faces of the drain aperture margin whereby the inner shell is placed under tension and the outer shell is placed under compression for securing the drain assembly within the drain aperture.

5. In a drain assembly adapted to be mounted within a drain aperture and comprising an inner shell, an outer shell and a pipe coupler, said inner shell fabricated from a thin sheet of metal unable to carry threads and having an out-turned flange adapted to engage the upper margin of the drain aperture, said pipe coupler connected engaging the threads of said pipe coupler for drawing the out-turned flanges of the inner and outer shells upon the upper and lower faces of the drain aperture margin whereby the inner shell is placed under tension and the outer shell is placed under compression for securing the drain assembly within the drain aperture.

6. In a device of the class described, a waste drain housing comprising a pair of spaced inner and outer shells and a pipe coupler, each of said shells having outwardly extending flanges at their upper ends, means for permanently securing the inner shell to said pipe coupler, and means carried by said coupler for shifting said outer shell relative to the inner shell and the coupler for drawing said outwardly extending flanges toward one another for securing the housing within a drain aperture,

7. In a device of the class described, a waste drain housing comprising a pair of spaced inner and outer shell members, each'of said shells including complementary substantially parallel flanges at their upper ends, said inner shell including a downwardly extending body portion for directing waste products toward a central outlet, a pipe coupler, said outer shell member including a downwardly extending body portion which terminates in pipe coupler engaging means, means for securing the lower portion of said inner shell to said pipe coupler, and means carried by said pipe coupler engageable by the pipe coupler engaging means of the outer shell for urging the complementary flanges of the inner and outer shells toward one another for securing the housing within a drain aperture.

8. In a device of the class described, a waste drain housing comprising a pair of inner and outer shells and a pipe coupler, each of said shells including complementary substantially parallel flanges at their upper ends, means for securing the inner shell to said pipe coupler, and means carried by said pipe coupler for shifting said outer shell relative to said pipe coupler and the inner shell for drawing said complementary flanges toward one another for securing the housing within a drain aperture.

9. In a drain assembly of the class described, adapted to be secured within a drain aperture of a fixture and comprising in combination a drainage shell and a pipe coupler initially fitted to one another to withstand forces applied axially thereto in opposite directions tending to pull them apart, said drainage shell having a continuous and uninterrupted surface area coextensive with those drain surfaces subjected to wear incident to normal use, said shell being characterized by its thinness and its corrosion and erosion resisting properties, and means adjustable axially along the pipe coupler to engage a portion of the fixture near the aperture, tending to force the pipe coupler away from the fixture and thereby placing said drainage shell under tension through the connection between the drainage shell and the pipe coupler aforesaid.

10. In a drain assembly adapted for fixation within a drain aperture of a slab having upper and lower faces defining the aperture, said assembly comprising an inner thin gauge shell having an upper flange to overlie the upper face of the slab about the aperture, with the shell depending through the aperture, a circumferential seat portion on the lower end of the shell including an inwardly turned flange, a hollow pipe coupler comprising an exteriorly threaded shank and an enlarged upper shoulder including an under face, said shoulder being snugly fitted within the lower circumferential seat portion of the shell with the inwardly turned flange of the inner shell abutting the under face of the shoulder, and means including a compression member arranged exteriorly of the inner shell for adjustment along the exterior threads of the pipe coupler, to engage the lower face of the slab adjacent to the drain aperture when advanced upwardly toward the pipe coupler shoulder, for clamping the slab against the upper flange of the inner shell.

11. In a drain assembly adapted for fixation within a drain aperture of a slab having upper and lower faces defining the aperture, said assembly comprising an inner thin gauge shell having an upper flange to overlie the upper face of the slab about the aperture, with the lower end of the shell depending through the aperture, an exteriorly threaded annular clamp nut permanently fixed to the lower end of the shell with the threads outwardly disposed, a hollow pipe coupler having internal and external screw threads at its upper end, the internal threads being engaged with the external threads of the annular clamp nut for joining the shell in fluidtight relationship to the pipe coupler, and means in threaded engagement with the external threads of the pipe coupler, for forcefully abutting the under face of the slab and tending to advance the pipe coupler away from said under face, while forcing the upper flange of the inner shell tightly against the upper face of the slab through the annular clamp nut connection aforesaid.

MICHAEL. F. SCHAIBLE. 

